Dr Steve Manteaw, the Chairman of the Coalition of Stakeholders on Electricity Contracts and Arrangements, has expressed his disappointment with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for their handling of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the recent power outages without informing consumers.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Dr Manteaw emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders in resolving issues between the PURC and ECG. He noted the potential negative impact on industrial harmony and cooperation if the situation escalates.
Dr Manteaw suggested that a different approach, involving all relevant parties including the Ministry of Finance, could have prevented the current situation. He commended the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament for their approach in addressing the issue and stressed the importance of resolving disputes behind the scenes before going public.
He also raised concerns about the visibility and effectiveness of the PURC, highlighting the need for the regulator to play a more active role in investigating and addressing issues such as power outages. Dr Manteaw emphasized the importance of avoiding acrimony and ensuring that all stakeholders can fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
Regarding the fine imposed on ECG board members, Dr Manteaw suggested that the matter may need to be settled in court. He emphasized the need for a fair and transparent process to address the issue.
